Happy New Year or Shana Tova!
Welcome (or welcome back) to my blog about reasons to l'chayim! Very shortly, a new Jewish year of 5778 will begin! In spirit of the new year, I want to challenge myself to start a new instagram and revive my blog about cocktail drinks in connection to Jewish holidays, themes, events, and maybe sometimes even the weekly Torah parsha! Thank you for reading my blog and for following me on instagram. I'm hoping that these recipes will help to bring a new taste for the holidays and more sweetness and fun in your homes.
And now, the cocktail: Pomegranate Tekiah Cocktail
This can be made as a drink or as a shot, depending on your taste or mood. This drink can work as part of a Rosh Hashana dinner drink, a cocktail hour/happy hour pre-dinner drink, or even lunch!
The idea of this drink basically comes from the idea of a mix of salty/sour and sweet. I wanted to create a taste that incorporated two aspects of Rosh Hashana. Many take time during this point of the year before the new year to make changes an improvements for the upcoming year. During the holiday itself, many will greet each other with "Shana Tova U'Metukah" or Have a sweet new year! So, this drink is meant to inspire both the t'shuva , the call to change and metukah , the sweetness and hope for a better year.
The name of the drink is based on the names of the ingredients in the drink (including tequila) and one of the sounds that the shofar (the instrument blasted in synagogues during Rosh Hashana).
And now, the drink itself:
The first step for either a cockail or a shot would be to drizzle some honey on a plate (I recommend paper, since this part can be messy...). Then, take your margarita/martini/shot glass and dip the rim in the honey. You can almost imagine that you're dipping the glass in the honey instead of the traditional apple in honey;). Then, add 2 shots of tequila
1 shot of triple sec or cointreau (or even pomegranate liquor, if you can find it!)
1 tbsp of lime-aid or fresh-squeezed lime
for a shot: add a splash of pomegranate juice
for a drink: fill the rest of the glass with pomegranate juice
Feel free to add a lime wedge for garnish (and for fun). Also, if you're drinking this as a shot, feel free to eat an apple slice after the shot for a sweet touch!
May this year bring more hope and sweetness and t'shuva !
Shana Tova U'Metukah
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Candle in the Cloud...a Chanukah Cocktail
Candle in the Cloud...a Chanukah Cocktail
So, the holiday of Chanukah is coming up and fast! But this year, I am so grateful that the holiday is soon after the Operation Pillar of Defense in Israel. As many of you know, during that time, there were rockets, missiles, terrible things attacking Israel from Gaza. But, there was an Iron Dome protecting Israel from many of these rockets. Because of this protective dome, this whole period of time was refered to as Operation Pillar of Defense or translated from the Hebrew, A Protective Cloud.
This image of a cloud protecting Israel makes many people think of the pillar of fire that protected the people of Israel from the charging Egyptian army right after they escaped from Egypt. It also conjures up the image of the protective cloud that followed the people of Israel as they traveled in the desert on their way to the Land of Israel. These images were in my head during the weeks this November in Israel and provided many, me included, with a tiny glimmer of hope.
During the holiday of Chanukah, many Jews will be lighting Chanukah candles, another way of bringing light and hope during literally dark and cold wintery nights. These candles are supposed to trigger memories of our past as a Jewish people.
There is an Israeli Chanukah song that comes to mind when I think of these candles:
So, the holiday of Chanukah is coming up and fast! But this year, I am so grateful that the holiday is soon after the Operation Pillar of Defense in Israel. As many of you know, during that time, there were rockets, missiles, terrible things attacking Israel from Gaza. But, there was an Iron Dome protecting Israel from many of these rockets. Because of this protective dome, this whole period of time was refered to as Operation Pillar of Defense or translated from the Hebrew, A Protective Cloud.
This image of a cloud protecting Israel makes many people think of the pillar of fire that protected the people of Israel from the charging Egyptian army right after they escaped from Egypt. It also conjures up the image of the protective cloud that followed the people of Israel as they traveled in the desert on their way to the Land of Israel. These images were in my head during the weeks this November in Israel and provided many, me included, with a tiny glimmer of hope.
During the holiday of Chanukah, many Jews will be lighting Chanukah candles, another way of bringing light and hope during literally dark and cold wintery nights. These candles are supposed to trigger memories of our past as a Jewish people.
There is an Israeli Chanukah song that comes to mind when I think of these candles:
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This
part of this Israeli Chanukah song struck me as well: “My little candles/they teach me
stories/about the past of the nation/about the past of the nation/and I will
listen to each candle/that tells me to get up and wake up/my nation is alive/my
nation is alive.”
The
candles that we will be lighting on Chanukah tell a story and in turn, the
story is meant to teach us about our Jewish identities and of our identity as a strong nation. We must remember to continue to help to light
the way for others and use these little lights as a way to remind ourselves
about our stories from the past. May we
draw comfort from these candles during this dark and cold time and may we turn
this light and warmth to help others.
In light (get it? light?? :) of the image of the candle and cloud, may I introduce the Candle in the Cloud Cocktail! The tastes, smells, and images seen in the one little cocktail, should remind people of the green land of Israel, the cloud of defense, and the sweetness of a hopeful future.
In a glass mug, or a regular glass, add a spoonful of white hot chocolate mix.
Then, add 1/3 of a cup of hot water. Mix well and let the drink cool for about 10 minutes. Add one shot of peppermint schnapps and mix again. Optional step: Add a drop of grenadine or berry jelly to the glass. Sip and enjoy!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Stars in your Eyes and in the Skies
I know that it's been awhile since I last posted, but it's been a busy couple of months. The holidays, then the hurricane in New York City, lots of things were taking up my time. During this time, there was a lot of travelling happening: travelling to visit family for the holidays, travelling to prepare for the hurricane, travelling to escape the storm (luckily, I just went down the street to weather the storm with a friend, but i was okay the whole time), travelling to parts of the city and beyond to help post-hurricane.
During the last couple of parshiot in the Torah, we read the stories of our ancestors' travels. Avraham and Sarah traveled from their home to the land of Canaan. God promised them descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. Then, Rebecca traveled from her home to the land of Canaan to marry Yitzchak. When they had trouble having children, she prayed to God, asking for children. Then, low and behold, she becomes pregnant with twins! In this coming Parsha Toldot, Jacob begins his journey away from his twin brother and home. He follows the stars along his long journey in the desert.
I was thinking about the idea of stars and what they represent to many. For some, stars represent guidance in direction. People used to depend on following the stars in their travels, so the stars in a way guide us when we are lost in our way. Even Peter Pan used the stars for direction to Never Never Land: "First star to the right and straight on 'til morning". For some, stars represent a hope for the future, a light in the darkness perhaps? Maybe that is why so many New Yorkers are cynical, not enough stars are seen in the skies...;)
But, I wonder if perhaps if stars are also a reminder of the past as a way of guiding us to our future? I'm reminded of a quote from a father lion to his little cub in the movie The Lion King: "Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars....so whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I." That idea of having faith that it will be okay, even in the night, while traveling or through the storms, is a powerful and warm thought that I think we can all use during these weeks of dark and starry nights. Let us all focus on the stars in the skies and in our cocktails, keep having faith, and stay warm during this wintery Hebrew month of Kislev.
Here is a recipe for a Star Cocktail:
Stars in your Eyes and in the Skies
2 shots of vodka
1 shot of Cointreau or Triple Sec
1 tablespoon of orange juice
Fill the rest of the glass with pear juice. Stir with a teaspoon or stir stick.
Add a slice of star fruit.
Sip and enjoy!
I know that it's been awhile since I last posted, but it's been a busy couple of months. The holidays, then the hurricane in New York City, lots of things were taking up my time. During this time, there was a lot of travelling happening: travelling to visit family for the holidays, travelling to prepare for the hurricane, travelling to escape the storm (luckily, I just went down the street to weather the storm with a friend, but i was okay the whole time), travelling to parts of the city and beyond to help post-hurricane.
During the last couple of parshiot in the Torah, we read the stories of our ancestors' travels. Avraham and Sarah traveled from their home to the land of Canaan. God promised them descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. Then, Rebecca traveled from her home to the land of Canaan to marry Yitzchak. When they had trouble having children, she prayed to God, asking for children. Then, low and behold, she becomes pregnant with twins! In this coming Parsha Toldot, Jacob begins his journey away from his twin brother and home. He follows the stars along his long journey in the desert.
I was thinking about the idea of stars and what they represent to many. For some, stars represent guidance in direction. People used to depend on following the stars in their travels, so the stars in a way guide us when we are lost in our way. Even Peter Pan used the stars for direction to Never Never Land: "First star to the right and straight on 'til morning". For some, stars represent a hope for the future, a light in the darkness perhaps? Maybe that is why so many New Yorkers are cynical, not enough stars are seen in the skies...;)
But, I wonder if perhaps if stars are also a reminder of the past as a way of guiding us to our future? I'm reminded of a quote from a father lion to his little cub in the movie The Lion King: "Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars....so whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I." That idea of having faith that it will be okay, even in the night, while traveling or through the storms, is a powerful and warm thought that I think we can all use during these weeks of dark and starry nights. Let us all focus on the stars in the skies and in our cocktails, keep having faith, and stay warm during this wintery Hebrew month of Kislev.
Here is a recipe for a Star Cocktail:
Stars in your Eyes and in the Skies
2 shots of vodka
1 shot of Cointreau or Triple Sec
1 tablespoon of orange juice
Fill the rest of the glass with pear juice. Stir with a teaspoon or stir stick.
Add a slice of star fruit.
Sip and enjoy!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Sparkling Rosh Hashana Sangria
Sparkling Rosh Hashana Sangria
Dear Readers,
During this time, as we approach a new Hebrew year of 5773, many take on the tradition of reflecting on the past year and doing what is called "T'shuva"/repentance, asking for forgiveness from others. So, I would like to ask your forgiveness, for my lack of blogging for the past several months. I will try to post on a more regular basis and to make up for it, I will try to add some images along with these words.
Now, back to the essence of the blog, the drink recipes! Rosh Hashana has so so many options: apple martini, pomtini (which is one of my favourites and will definitely include at some point), and my previously mentioned Tekiyah shots. However, I decided to include a simpler, lighter drink: a sparkling Rosh Hashana sangria. I thought that a not-so-intense drink would be best for this time of year when people are reflecting and collecting their thoughts with a clear mind. Also, the fruit that can be added to the sangria is flexible, so you may add whatever fruits you want. Perhaps you would like to include a new fruit that you haven't tasted before? Take this drink on as you would take on the new year: try new things, reflect, and enjoy a sweet beginning to a good new year. Just make sure that you at least add some slices of apple, to remind yourself to have a sweet new year, and some pomegranate juice to encourage you to take on many mitzvot (like the many seeds in a pomegranate).
Recipe (serves about 4 people):
-in a pitcher add:
-small (half inch/cm) slices of one apple (I prefer honey crisp, but whatever floats your boat)
-small slices of 8 strawberries
-small slices of one peach
-4 shots of pomegranate liquor (or triple sec if you do not have this liquor)
-1 cup of pomegranate juice
-1-2 bottles of sparkling white wine (or sparkling grape juice for a non-alcoholic version)
-refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving
-Shana Tova!
Dear Readers,
During this time, as we approach a new Hebrew year of 5773, many take on the tradition of reflecting on the past year and doing what is called "T'shuva"/repentance, asking for forgiveness from others. So, I would like to ask your forgiveness, for my lack of blogging for the past several months. I will try to post on a more regular basis and to make up for it, I will try to add some images along with these words.
Now, back to the essence of the blog, the drink recipes! Rosh Hashana has so so many options: apple martini, pomtini (which is one of my favourites and will definitely include at some point), and my previously mentioned Tekiyah shots. However, I decided to include a simpler, lighter drink: a sparkling Rosh Hashana sangria. I thought that a not-so-intense drink would be best for this time of year when people are reflecting and collecting their thoughts with a clear mind. Also, the fruit that can be added to the sangria is flexible, so you may add whatever fruits you want. Perhaps you would like to include a new fruit that you haven't tasted before? Take this drink on as you would take on the new year: try new things, reflect, and enjoy a sweet beginning to a good new year. Just make sure that you at least add some slices of apple, to remind yourself to have a sweet new year, and some pomegranate juice to encourage you to take on many mitzvot (like the many seeds in a pomegranate).
Recipe (serves about 4 people):
-in a pitcher add:
-small (half inch/cm) slices of one apple (I prefer honey crisp, but whatever floats your boat)
-small slices of 8 strawberries
-small slices of one peach
-4 shots of pomegranate liquor (or triple sec if you do not have this liquor)
-1 cup of pomegranate juice
-1-2 bottles of sparkling white wine (or sparkling grape juice for a non-alcoholic version)
-refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving
-Shana Tova!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Golden Dreams: Parshat Vayeshev
In this week's parsha, Joseph dreams his famous dreams (you know the play!) where he imagines himself as ruling over all, including his brothers. He makes the mistake of sharing these dreams with his brothers, who are anything but pleased, and then he is sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt. Joseph is very far from his dreams, working as a slave, and then thrown into jail at the end of the parsha. But then, there is a little glimmer of hope at the very end of the parsha, when Joseph interprets two fellow prisoners' dreams. The hope is that the prisoner who is then let out of prison and sent back to work for Pharaoh, will remember Joseph and then help him out. We have to see what happens...or you can read ahead or see youtube clips of the play!
One lesson that I take from Joseph is to keep dreaming. Even when things get tough, even when the dreams seem impossible, to keep dreaming.
And to those of you living the dream: whether that means you are living in New York City, in Israel, joining the army (shout out to my brother Josh!), or somewhere else great that you enjoy, it's about appreciating what you have and hopefully continue dreaming.
In honour of the dreams, dreamers, and dream interpreters of this week's parsha, I present the Golden Cocktail. May all of our dreams turn golden:
Golden Dream Cocktail
3/4 oz cream
3/4 oz orange juice
3/4 oz Cointreau
3/4 oz Galliano
Or, skip the cream, or replace the cream with ice cream and then blend ingredients together.
One lesson that I take from Joseph is to keep dreaming. Even when things get tough, even when the dreams seem impossible, to keep dreaming.
And to those of you living the dream: whether that means you are living in New York City, in Israel, joining the army (shout out to my brother Josh!), or somewhere else great that you enjoy, it's about appreciating what you have and hopefully continue dreaming.
In honour of the dreams, dreamers, and dream interpreters of this week's parsha, I present the Golden Cocktail. May all of our dreams turn golden:
Golden Dream Cocktail
3/4 oz cream
3/4 oz orange juice
3/4 oz Cointreau
3/4 oz Galliano
Or, skip the cream, or replace the cream with ice cream and then blend ingredients together.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Vayeitze-A Reunion Drink
Family reunions can be tough and we learn that they were tough on Jacob in this week's parsha too. Jacob takes a journey from Haran back to his hometown in the land of Israel. In anticipation of the upcoming reunion with his estranged brother, Eisav/Essau, Jacob sends messengers to check out Eisav's group. Jacob also begins to take precautions with his things and the tents that he and his family were living in. But, in the end, the reunion of the brothers is a peaceful one, it even included a brotherly embrace! They did not need the liquid courage that many of us seem to crave in anticipation of upcoming family reunions during the holiday season. But, I just discovered this drink called a reunion cocktail and I adapted it a little big for you all.
1/2 oz. Brandy, sherry
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
1/4 oz. Lime Juice
P.S. Just FYI, I am VERY excited for the upcoming family reunion of my own that is coming up at the end of December! And am not concerned enough to need the drink to get through it, I am just plain looking forward to it.
1/2 oz. Brandy, sherry
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
1/4 oz. Lime Juice
P.S. Just FYI, I am VERY excited for the upcoming family reunion of my own that is coming up at the end of December! And am not concerned enough to need the drink to get through it, I am just plain looking forward to it.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Parshat Toldot: Red, Red, Cocktail!
Parshat Toldot: Red, Red, Cocktail
In this week's parsha, Rebecca is told that she is going to be expecting twins! These twins will be the beginnings of two new nations. When they are born, it is said that the first-born, named Eisav, is born with lots of red, red hair.
Eisav is known as the outdoorsy son, the one who hunts animals for fur and food. He had a bad reputation, for some reason, but I have recently found some positive in him. He was connected to nature and to animals, and felt fit and comfortable spending lots of time outside, which not everyone can do.
This weekend, people who live in the US are going to be giving thanks at their Thanksgiving tables. I would like to challenge you all to think about something in nature that you are grateful for, like Eisav, the red-haired twin. In honour of Thanksgiving, a fall holiday associated with fall colours, like red, I present a very red drink! Maybe it will inspire you to think of more reasons to give thanks....
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Adapted from a recipe from the food network website:
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- 2 ounces pomegranate juice
- 2 ounces gin
- 5 to 6 ounces club soda
- 1 ounce red wine
- Fresh or frozen raspberries
Directions
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in the juice and the gin; stir to mix together. Lighten the drink with a generous splash of soda. Float a layer of red wine on top by pouring it over the back of a wide, flat spoon. (Don't worry if it doesn't float; it tastes great either way.) Drop a few maraschino cherries and raspberries into the glass. Drink.
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